Madisonville Community College is pleased to announce that our Occupational Therapy Assistant Program faculty and students are hosting their first CarFit event on Saturday, September 7. The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on MCC’s Health Sciences Campus located at 750 North Laffoon Street in Madisonville. No appointment is necessary.

CarFit is a national program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association and is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive, check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the CarFit event goal is to help improve the comfort and safety “fit” for senior drivers. As an individual ages, changes in vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height may cause less comfort and reduced control behind the wheel. CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.

At the September 7th CarFit event, trained volunteers will complete a 12-point checklist with each driver. Among the items checked are:
 Correct position of driver’s seat
 Driver’s ability to easily reach pedals
 Proper adjustment of mirrors

Occupational therapists will be available for consultation, if needed, to show drivers how to maintain and improve aspects related to their driving health. The therapist can also provide information to participants addressing individual needs, including information about local community resources for exercise, nutrition, and other programs to help keep them safe on the road.

“It is critically important that mature drivers make safety a personal priority,” said Kim Qualls, Program Director of MCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. “Driving today is more difficult than ever because of increased traffic congestion, longer commute distances, new technology and faster speeds. Older drivers can take important measures to mitigate the stress associated with driving.”

For additional information about the CarFit program, visit www.car-fit.org or contact Kim Qualls at 270.824.1742.